HB 5079 revises the qualifications for certain masters, magistrates, referees, and associate judges in Texas. It establishes a minimum requirement that individuals appointed to these judicial positions must have been licensed to practice law in Texas for at least five years, except for those appointed under specific provisions, who only need two years of legal practice. The bill also removes certain residency and licensing requirements for some magistrates and hearing officers, standardizing eligibility criteria across different judicial roles. These changes apply only to appointments made on or after September 1, 2025​.